‘Shark Week’ Kills Snuffy The Seal, Humans Overreact — Watch

Discovery Channel’s new campaign for its annual chomp-fest is drawing harsh criticism. From crazy people.

With less than two months until the arrival of Discovery Channel‘s annual “Shark Week,” a seven-day celebration of all things sharp and toothy, the cable network is starting to roll out promos for the Aug. 4 premiere. Its first major commercial features the instantly lovable Snuffy the Seal, and while the video is being passed around the internet like a blunt at one of Snoop Lion‘s house parties, it’s also becoming the subject of some major — albeit misguided — controversy.

In the commercial, a fake news broadcast shows the beloved Snuffy — who was recently rescued, by the way — being lowered back into the ocean, only to be snatched up and swallowed by a hungry shark.

Strangely, animal-rights group PETA has not yet expressed its outrage over the commercial, but rest assured, HollywoodLife.com has reached out for comment.

YouTube Commenters React To ‘Disgusting’ Commercial

Naturally, Discovery Channel posted the instant viral sensation on its YouTube page — and also naturally, the crazies came crawling out of the woodwork to express their outrage.

“It’s not funny people its a dear seal!!!!” says user iamazingicarly.

“Disgusting. Even if this is not real.” adds user Eric S. Pizarro.

“I love Shark Week but this ad is in poor taste…” muses user rigbypa.

HollywoodLifers, are you at all offended by Snuffy the Seal’s viral demise? Watch the commercial below, then cast your vote: Is the “Shark Week” ad in bad taste?